Method for using a delivery system descriptor so that a receiver automatically can modify itself, if the broadband transmission delivery parameters changes

ABSTRACT

A method and system for identifying the delivery system and physical properties of the satellite delivery system is presented. A Delivery System Descriptor is used as a descriptor and the DSID is referred to in a Network Information Table (NIT). The DSID identifies the type of the delivery system (Satellite, Cable, Terrestrial), a band the satellite is transmitting and the position in which the satellite appears on the sky. The NIT is contained in the Service Information (SI). The receiver can automatically modify itself for a reception with different parameters. Also, the user can configure the receiver device for the reception with other parameters than currently applied. The discovery of the satellite delivery system parameters does not require a use of the interaction network. Also simple user friendly configurations are required in the receiver device.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems and methods for distributing data overa communication link.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Broadcast has an almost century long tradition in radio. Even with TV,the history goes back to 1930's. Broadcasting has been successfulthroughout the world in bringing both entertainment and information tomass audiences.

The latest step in broadcasting is the digitalization of both radio andTV. Digital radio has not gained much acceptance on the market. However,many hope that digital TV will bring new benefits and services to theconsumer and, as a result, generate new revenue streams for thebroadcasting industry. The basic concept of the TV service itself has,however, not changed much. Rather, the TV lives on as before even if ithas become digital.

In later half of 1990's we saw the boom of the Internet. A whole set ofnew services and content became available to the consumers during ashort, revolutionary and hype intense period. That period introducede-commerce, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Portals, eyeballs game,dotcom companies and even the new economy. The developments in bothaccess technologies (e.g. ADSL) and coding technologies (e.g. MPEG-2streaming) has made it possible to bring rich media content like videocontent to homes via the Internet. Despite of these technology andmarket break-throughs media houses have been reluctant to distributetheir content via the Internet due to its “free-of-charge” nature andthe direct threat of piracy. Neither has Internet been able to challengethe role of traditional media as the primary advertisement platformdespite its great popularity.

Broadcast provides the receiver device with huge amount of information.The receiver device needs to know a delivery way for obtaining servicesvia a delivery system.

In some previous approaches for obtaining the broadcast service, themanufacturer of the receiver has always had to know the delivery way tobe applied. Moreover, an attempt to alter the delivery way has had to bemade by the manufacturer by a difficult and complex software upgrade ofthe receiver. This has been annoying when an alteration in the deliveryway has taken place, for example, new satellite has been launched, ortwo satellites with different parameters are at the same position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Now a method and arrangement has been invented where a unique and thesame delivery identification is applied for obtaining a service that istransferred over a data link.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided amethod for identifying a delivery way for a broadcast transmissiondelivering services, the method comprising the steps of:

comparing a delivery system identifier with parameters stored in areceiver for receiving the broadcast transmission, wherein the deliverysystem identifier uniquely identifies the delivery way and receptionparameters for a certain delivery way, and

adapting a reception of the broadcast transmission to the delivery wayidentified by the delivery system identifier in accordance with thecomparing step.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided areceiver for identifying a delivery way for a broadcast transmissiondelivering services, the receiver comprising:

means for comparing a delivery system identifier with parameters storedin a receiver for receiving the broadcast transmission, wherein thedelivery system identifier uniquely identifies the delivery way andreception parameters for a certain delivery way, and

means for adapting a reception of the broadcast transmission to thedelivery way identified by the delivery system identifier in accordancewith the comparing.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided asystem for identifying a delivery way of a broadcast transmissiondelivering services, the system comprising:

delivery systems for transmitting the broadcast transmission of theservices,

at least one receiver for catching the broadcast transmission from acertain delivery system in a certain way, and

means for adapting the receiver to a delivery system identifier, whereinthe delivery system identifier uniquely identifies the delivery systemand reception parameters for the certain way.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided acomputer program product comprising a program of instructions executableby a computing system for processing an identification of the deliveryway for broadcast transmission delivering services, the computer programproduct comprising:

computer program code for causing the system to compare a deliverysystem identifier with parameters stored in a receiver for receiving thebroadcast transmission, wherein the delivery system identifier uniquelyidentifies the delivery way and reception parameters for a certaindelivery way, and

computer program code for causing the system to adapt a reception of thebroadcast transmission to the delivery way identified by the deliverysystem identifier in accordance with the comparing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example of Digital broadcasting service delivery model,

FIG. 2 shows an example of identifier hierarchy in the service deliverysystem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 shows a Delivery System Identifier bit line for bundling up thepossibly changes of the delivery system or alterations in the deliverysystem in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 4 depicts in a form of a flowchart a method for identifying adelivery by receiving the DSID from a digital broadcast network inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 5 depicts in a form of a flowchart a method for identifying adelivery by receiving the DSID in a digital broadcast receiver device inaccordance with a further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 depicts embodied a broadcast receiver for identifying a deliveryin accordance with the DSID.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferable embodiments of the invention provide a method for identifyingthe delivery system and physical characteristics of the satellitedelivery system. A Delivery System Identifier (DSID) is used within adescriptor and the DSID is referred to in a Network Information Table(NIT). The DSID identifies the type of the delivery system (Satellite,Cable, Terrestrial), a band the satellite is transmitting and theposition in which the satellite appears on the sky. The NIT is containedin the Service Information (SI). With the method described in theseembodiments, the receiver can automatically modify itself to a receptionwith different parameters. Alternatively, the user can configure thereceiver device for the reception with other parameters than currentlyapplied. The discovery of the satellite delivery system parameters doesnot require a use of the interaction network. Also simple user-friendlyconfigurations are required in the receiver device.

Advantageously, discovery and identification of the delivery system forall services provided can be automatic. Service identifications can beobtained without the use of the interaction network. Few configurationsare required in the digital broadcast receiver in order to provide fullaccess to available services. Since the embodiment of the invention usesa centralised identification for delivery systems used defined in theMPEG-2, the invention provides a compatible solution for ATSC systems aswell as for DVB systems.

Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) offers a high bandwidth transmissionchannel wherein delivery is typically multicast or alternativelyunicast. The high bandwidth transmission channel can offer a user ofsuch system various services. Identifications for the various deliverymodels are necessary to focus on appropriate delivery ways andreceivers. A Satellite Delivery System of DVB is preferably applied inthe invention. Alternatively, the invention is also applicable in otherbroadcasting systems enabling satellite distribution such as AdvancedTelevision Systems Committee (ATSC) because such a system providesability for transmitting delivery information.

The digital broadcast transmission provides a receiver device with hugeamount of data information. A nature of the digital broadcasttransmission is that the transmission is streaming distributiontypically to multiple receivers or alternatively unicast point-to-pointdistribution to a single receiver. The receiver device should be able tofind the relevant delivery system delivering the relevant datainformation among the huge amount of transmitted data information. Thereceiver device requires certain parameters in order to be able toreceive the relevant service which is intended for or desired by thereceiver device. Because the digital broadcast transmission candistribute a lot of data, it can also distribute the parameters whichenable the receiver device to discover the delivery system and theproperties of the delivery system among transmitted information. Theseparameters are digitally broadcast to the receiver device. The receiverdevice recognizes them and can modify itself in accordance with theparameters. Therefore, the receiver device can now start receiving theservice, by identifying the relevant delivery system and some deliveryproperties of the system from the huge amount of data in the broadcasttransmission.

Some embodiments of the applied transfer protocol in the invention arebased on the methods and systems presented in a specification ISO/IEC13818-1 Information Technology—Generic Coding of Moving Picture andAssociated Audio Information: Systems on pages viii-xii, incorporatedherein as a reference. The ISO/IEC 13818-1 defines a Transport Stream(TS) which forms a basis for the service delivery and for the DVB.

Some embodiments of the invention apply Service Information (SI). SIcomprises digital data describing the delivery system, content andscheduling/timing of broadcast data streams. SI includes MPEG-2 PSI(Program Specific Information) together with independently definedextensions. Some more technical details of SI can be found from apublication ETSI EN 300 468 v.1.4.1. (2000-11) Digital VideoBroadcasting (DVB); Specification for Service Information (SI) in DVBsystems, incorporated herein as a reference. Advantageously, deliverysystem identification can be defined in SI enabling the receiver to bemodified to a certain delivery.

Some embodiments of the invention apply Network Information Table (NIT).The NIT conveys information relating to the physical organization of themultiplexes/TSs carried via a given network, and the characteristics ofthe network itself. The combination of original_network_id andtransport_stream_id allows each Transport Stream (TS) to be uniquelyidentified throughout the application area. Networks are assignedindividual network_id values, which serve as unique identification codesfor networks. Some more detailed technical details of the NIT can befound from the publication EN 300 468 on page 16. The NIT contains twosoftware loops for tagging descriptors.

Exemplary network_id comprises a 16-bit field which serves as a label toidentify the delivery system, about which the NIT informs, from anyother delivery system.

Exemplary original_network_id is unique identifier for a network. Theoriginal_network_id can be a 16-bit field which serves as a labelidentifying the network_id of the originating delivery system.

Exemplary transport_stream_id is unique identifier of the TS within anoriginating network. The transport_stream_id comprises a 16-bit fieldwhich serves as a label for identification of the TS from any othermultiplex within the delivery system.

Exemplary service_id is unique identifier of a service within the TS.The service_id comprises a 16-bit field which serves as a label toidentify a service from any other service within the TS. The service_idcan be the same as the program_number in the correspondingprogram_map_section. The service_id can be contained in a ServiceDescriptor Table (SDT).

Some embodiments of the invention apply the descriptors. The descriptorsare referred to in the NIT. Delivery system descriptors can all have auniform general definition regarding their structure. Thus, the deliverysystem descriptors and the descriptor's length facilitate theinterchange of these descriptors when a TS is transcoded from onedelivery system to another, for example, satellite to cable. Moreover,they may relief the burden when within a certain delivery systemtranscoding from a certain delivery way to another. More detaileddetails about the descriptors can be found from the EN 300 468 on page38. The delivery system descriptors comprises, for example, asatellite_delivery_system_descriptor.

The exemplary satellite_delivery_system_descriptor defines a frequencyfor the satellite connection. The frequency comprises a 32-bit fieldgiving the 4-bit BCD values specifying 8 characters of the frequencyvalue. For the satellite_delivery_system_descriptor the frequency istypically coded in GHz. The satellite delivery system descriptor definesalso orbital_position. The position comprises a 16-bit field giving the4-bit BCD values specifying 4 characters of the orbital position indegrees. Moreover, the satellite delivery system descriptor defineswest_east_flag. The flag comprises a 1-bit field indicating if thesatellite position is in the western or eastern part of the orbit. Avalue “0” indicates the western position and a value “1” indicates theeastern position. In addition, the satellite_delivery_system_descriptorcan indicate polarization of the transmitted signal, modulation schemeused, symbol_rate and FEC_inner. More detailed technical information canbe found from the EN 300 468 on pages 39 and 40.

The purpose of the Delivery System ID is to simplify the management ofservices in a digital-tv receiver that can receive service from amixture of delivery systems.

Some embodiments of the invention apply Delivery System Id (DSID). Thepurpose of the DSID is to simplify the management of services in abroadcast receiver such as a digital-tv receiver that can receiveservice from a variety of delivery systems. The DSID uniquely identifiesthe properties of a delivery system. The DSID provides the receiverdevice with a possibility to adapt to different delivery systems ordifferent characteristics of the delivery system. The DSID bundles upcertain parameters and they are more conveniently accessible than theparameters which are transmitted in the NIT of the DVB-SI or in VirtualChannel Table (VCT) in ATSC—Program and System Information Protocol(ATSC-PSIP). The DSID enables the management of the channel table, forexample, existing table indicating the delivery parameters can be mergedwith a new one. The new DSID can be obtained by receiving a periodicalupdate while obtaining the SI. Alternatively, the DSID can be obtainedby a service search or a channel table download with or without arequest. The DSID comprises some parameters indicating the delivery.Also, the DSID or information describing values of the DSID can beentered to the receiver. The DSID comprises type of delivery system. Thetype of the delivery system comprises satellite, cable and terrestrial.The DSID comprises also a band that the satellite is transmitting and aposition in which the satellite appears on the sky.

FIG. 1 shows an example of Digital broadcasting service delivery modelin accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The deliverysystem provides the broadcasting with physical medium by which one ormore multiplexes are transmitted. The example of FIG. 1 comprisessatellite system, cable system and terrestrial system for the deliveryways delivering the transmission eventually to a receiver. For example,satellite system, wide-band coaxial cable, fibre optics, terrestrialchannel of at least one emitting point can establish physical deliverybasis for the distribution of broadcast services. The network comprisesvarious multiplexes each defining a channel (or transponder forsatellite delivery). The multiplexes comprise various services undereach channel or transponder, and the services may comprise video and/oraudio and/or data. The delivery way can be switched from currentlyapplied or default/home delivery way to another delivery way. Forexample, a change between delivery media boundaries, e.g. from satelliteto cable can take place in processing of delivery system identifierwithin the service information. Moreover, the delivery way within aphysical delivery network system such as the satellite system can bechanged. For example, the delivery is changed from currentlyapplied/default satellite to a new satellite.

FIG. 2 shows an example of identifier hierarchy in the service deliverysystem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The DSIDindicates the delivery system applied in general. The delivery systemcomprises a currently applied delivery network which is indicated by thenetwork_id. Thus, the network may indicate also the delivery systemapplied. The broadcast delivery network comprises various TransmissionStreams (TS) running. The transport_stream_id and original_network_idtogether identify the TS. The original_network_id identifies thenetwork_id of the original delivery system. The TS may comprises one ormore services running. The service_id identifies the service from anyother service within the TS. The service_id serves as the program_numberin the corresponding program_map_section. The DSID has one of the upperlevel hierarchies in the broadcast delivery systems because the DSIDindicates, for example, the physical delivery medium or characteristicsof the physical delivery medium. The DSID is also one of the frontlineparameters that the receiver device, while receiving broadcasttransmission, should be aware of. Alternatively, if the broadcastreceiver obtains the DSID by other way, for example the user can enterthe DSID information, the broadcast receiver is an equipment with afacility to receive the service in a certain way indicated in the DSID.

FIG. 3 has been described in the foregoing. In the following,corresponding reference signs have been applied to corresponding parts.Some embodiments of the invention apply the Delivery System Identifierbit line of FIG. 3 for bundling up the possible changes of the deliverysystem or alterations in the delivery system. The DSID comprises here abit line 300 of 16-bit length, which is especially applicable tosatellite delivery systems. The bit line 300 is accessible by thebroadcast receiver.

Considering the inclusion of the DSID into a descriptor is should benoted that a known descriptor consists in general of an eight-bitidentifier known as the descriptor_tag, another eight-bit value calleddescriptor_length that indicates the overall length of the descriptor,and some data. In an exemplary descriptor that contains the DSID, saiddata may begin with the DSID and continue with a character string whereeach octet of eight bits represents an alphanumeric character of a plaintext name that is associated with the delivery system. Descriptorlengths are expressed in numbers of octets, so to make a DSID bit line300 comply fully with the exemplary DSID-including descriptor describedabove, it is advantageous to define the length of the DSID as 16 bits(two octets).

A DSID-including descriptor can also be attached or referred to in theNIT. Thus, the DSID can be added into one (or both) of the twodescriptor-loops in the NIT. The DSID is included in the SI and in theTS. Bits 0-10 (302) depict degrees. The degrees depicts satellitepositions in degrees: 0.0-180.0. The value of the satellite position indegrees is presented as an integer value that is multiplied with 10 sothat the first decimal can be presented with an integer value 0-1800. Inhexadecimal presentation the value 0-0x708 is applied. Thus, the orbitalposition of the satellite in degrees is presented by the bits 302. Bit11 (304) depicts a west/east flag. The flag comprises a 1-bit fieldindicating whether the satellite position is in the western or easternpart of the orbit. A value “0” indicates the western position and avalue “1” indicates the eastern position. Bit 12 (306) depicts the bandwhich the satellite is applying in transmission. A value “0” for the bit306 indicates Ku band having an approximate frequency 11 GHz. A value“1” for the bit 306 indicates C band having an approximate frequency 4GHz. Bit 13 (308) is reserved for future use. Preferably, “0” value forthe bit 13 (308) is used. Bits 14-15 (310) depict the type of thedelivery system. The type of the delivery system is indicated in thefollowing table. Bit 15 Bit 14 0 0 Satellite 0 1 Cable 1 0 Terrestrial 11 Reserved

The example of FIG. 3 bundles up both the satellite delivery systemparameters and the network delivery system parameters.

FIG. 4 has been described in the foregoing. In the following,corresponding reference signs have been applied to corresponding parts.FIG. 4 depicts in a form of a flowchart a method for identifying adelivery by receiving DSID from a digital broadcast network inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. A receiver receives thebroadcast transmission. In step 400 there is detected the SI.Preferably, a certain satellite system transmission is received butother systems can be applied as well. The received broadcasttransmission has also certain characterizing parameters, for example,the applied frequency. The receiver is able to obtain the SI because thereceiver contains existing parameters for catching the SI from thebroadcast transmission. The DSID is detected in step 402. The DSID iscontained in the SI. Preferably, the DSID appears within one kind ofdescriptor referred to in the NIT of the SI. The DSID is compared withthe existing parameters in step 404. The existing parameters for thereception are preferably obtained from the Delivery System Table (DST).In condition 406 there is checked whether there is found an indicationof a possible change in the delivery way. Preferably, the DSID iscompared with the delivery parameters such as the DST. The comparisoncan show whether the parameters indicating the delivery system havechanged. Thus, a new delivery way could be now available, or thedelivery way is about to change. Preferably, the bit line 300 iscompared to the values of the parameters in the DST. The DST can beinitially defined by the manufacturer when the receiver is made. Theuser can define some delivery parameters, or some delivery parameterscan be received. If no change has been discovered, the broadcastreception continues. If indication of possible changes has beendiscovered, then details of the changing parameters are being checked.It is being checked whether the change indicates the change of thedelivery system in condition 408. If there is an indication that thedelivery system changes, the parameters are modified in order to startreceiving a transmission via different delivery system in step 412. Forexample, if there is received the DSID, which points that bits 310 ofthe bit line 300 show a different delivery system than the currentlyapplied, the receiver recognizes this and start to modify itself forbeing able to receive the broadcast transmission delivered via adifferent system. For example, current transmission is applying cablesystem and the received obtains the bits (310) indicating satellitesystem (bit values “0 0”), the receiver is now modified that thesatellite reception can take place. If there is no indication that thedelivery system changes but there are indicated changes in the satellitesystem, the satellite delivery system is modified in step 410. Forexample, if the bit 304 shows that different frequency (or differentsatellite with different frequency) is applied, the receiver is now ableto modify the reception parameters for being able to receive thesatellite delivery with a different frequency than the currently appliedfrequency. Preferably, the modified parameters of the delivery systemcomprise the characteristics of the satellite delivery indicated by bits302, 304, 306, 308 and 310. The embodied method of FIG. 4 applies adynamic reception, where the receiver catches the alteration of thedelivery way online. For example, the receiver is able to compare thedelivery parameters and create new or modify existing reception tablesfor catching the altered delivery. The altered characteristic of thetransmission, for example frequency, can be indicated in currentlycaught running transmission. Therefore, the receiver is able to continuethe reception after the alteration. Thus, the receiver can obtain theparameters that uniquely identify the delivery system.

Introducing the possibility of announcing a changed DSID in the middleof a currently received stream may require defining specific, commonlyaccepted conditions under which such changing is allowed, because simplychanging a DSID in a conventional broadcast system could lead toerroneous operation: the new DSID would not reflect the transmittedstream any longer.

FIG. 5 has been described in the foregoing. In the following,corresponding reference signs have been applied to corresponding parts.FIG. 5 depicts in a form of a flowchart a method for identifying adelivery by receiving a DSID in a digital broadcast receiver device inaccordance with a further embodiment of the invention. In someembodiments of the invention the DSID can be manually and convenientlyentered to the broadcast receiver thereby enabling the possiblyalteration of the delivery system. In step 500 there is entered theDSID. The user of the receiver device can give some information showinga different parameter of the DSID. For example, the user can giveinformation of the new satellite e.g. Thor with both C (4 GHz) and Ku(11 GHz) bands including the name of the satellite and its band. Thereceiver receives the DSID via a User Interface (UI) (step 502) andstores the DSID in step 504. Preferably, the DSID information is storedinto the DST that is stored in the receiver device. The information isnow used as a DSID enabling the reception of a certain delivery system.In condition 506 there is being checked whether the delivery system ischanged. If it is, according to the DSID the receiver is now capable ofreceiving the broadcast transmission via a different delivery system(step 510). In step 508 the parameter of the delivery system is modifiedin order to enable the reception of the delivery system with differentproperties, for example, the altered frequency. Advantageously, nosoftware upgrade is needed whether the software upgrade would be made bythe manufacture of the receiver or not. Thus, the user can enter theparameters that uniquely identify the delivery system. Using the UI,where the user can configure the reception parameters such as thereceiver antennae system, new satellites, the delivery system can beentered in a unique way. Moreover, the satellites and/or the deliverysystems can be given a defined/arbitrary name. For example, a name forthe type or for the frequency of the satellite can be entered. Also, theuser can enter a specific reception delivery way and, accordingly, thereceiver device starts to the broadcast reception in accordance with theentered delivery way.

Furthermore a channel search on a multi delivery system, i.e. amotorized satellite dish, a 2-4 LNB switched system, etc. is enhanced byproviding the user interface where the user can enter the parametersthat uniquely identifies the delivery system (i.e. satellite, cable orterrestrial network).

In the example of FIG. 5 some interfaces for entering the deliveryidentification information constitutes the following. Satellites areedited by entering an access code. When a new satellite has been sentinto orbit, or if a pre-programmed satellite is selected, it can beadded to the list of satellites. The name of the (new) satellite can beentered. A position (in degree), for example, with the numeric buttonson the remote control is entered. An orientation (east or west) for thesatellite is selected. A band (e.g. Ku or C) for the satellite isentered. Moreover, the delivery system can be entered via the UI. Thereceiver device constructs the DSID from the above information, and theDSID is bundled up.

FIG. 6 has been described in the foregoing. In the following,corresponding reference signs have been applied to corresponding parts.FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary block diagram of a receiver device foridentifying a delivery in accordance with the DSID. The receiver device600 of FIG. 6 may be used in the example(s) of FIGS. 4 and/or 5. Thereceiver device 600 comprises a processing unit CPU 603, a broadcastreceiver part 605 and a user interface UI (601, 602). The broadcastreceiver part 605 and the user interface UI (601, 602) are coupled withthe processing unit CPU 603. The user interface UI (601, 602) comprisesa display and a keyboard to enable a user to use the receiver device600. In addition, the user interface UI (601, 602) comprises amicrophone and a speaker for receiving and producing audio signals. Theuser interface UI (601, 602) may also comprise voice recognition (notshown). The processing unit CPU 603 comprises a microprocessor (notshown), memory 604 and software SW (not shown). The software SW isstored in the memory 604. The microprocessor controls, on the basis ofthe software SW, the operation of the receiver device 600, such asreceiving of the multiplex, the identification of the delivery system,the comparison of the parameters, displaying output in the userinterface UI and the reading of inputs received from the user interfaceUI. The operations are described in the example of FIGS. 4 and/or 5. Forexample, the software SW comprises means for identifying the signal,means for demodulation, means for identifying the/delivery system, meansfor identifying characteristics of the delivery system, and means forreceiving IP based services. Alternatively, hardware or middlewareimplementation can be applied (not shown). The receiver device 600 canbe a hand-held device which the user can comfortably carry.Advantageously, the receiver device 600 can comprise a cellular mobilephone which contains the broadcast receiver 605 for receiving thebroadcast transmission and means for interaction via the cellular mobilephone unit. Therefore, the wireless terminal can also interact with theservice providers.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a Mediaterminal (an example ofthe set-top box) implementation can also have an XML based channel tablefile format. This format is used when downloading new channel tables andmerging with existing channel tables in the terminal.

Particular implementations and embodiments of the invention have beendescribed. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the inventionis not restricted to details of the embodiments presented above, butthat it can be implemented in other embodiments using equivalent meanswithout deviating from the characteristics of the invention. The scopeof the invention is only restricted by the attached patent claims. Forexample, the 16-bit length of the bit line of the DSID is applied.However, the bit length can be increased to 32. It is foreseen that theextension can be used, for example, to bind a delivery system to atuner/front-end (FE) in multi front-end (FE) receivers. This isbeneficial if the delivery systems are different (i.e. cable on FE 1,terrestrial on FE 2).

1. A method for identifying a delivery way for a broadcast transmissiondelivering services, the method comprising the steps of: comparing adelivery system identifier with parameters stored in a receiver forreceiving the broadcast transmission, wherein the delivery systemidentifier uniquely identifies the delivery way and reception parametersfor a certain delivery way, and adapting a reception of the broadcasttransmission to the delivery way identified by the delivery systemidentifier in accordance with the comparing step.
 2. A method accordingto claim 1, further comprising the step of detecting the delivery systemidentifier.
 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the step ofdetecting comprises the steps of: detecting service information (SI)within the broadcast transmission, detecting a network information table(NIT) within the service information, detecting the delivery systemidentifier, which is indicated by the network information table (NIT).4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step ofentering delivery system identifier information to the receiver forreceiving the broadcast transmission.
 5. A method according to claim 4,further comprising the step of storing the delivery system information.6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the broadcast transmissioncomprises transmission according to Digital Video Broadcasting.
 7. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein the broadcast transmissioncomprises a terrestrial digital video broadcasting (DVB-T).
 8. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the broadcast transmission comprisesmulticast.
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the broadcasttransmission comprises unicast.
 10. A method according to claim 1,wherein the broadcast transmission comprises transmission according toAdvanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC).
 11. A method according toclaim 1, wherein the delivery way comprises a delivery system.
 12. Amethod according to claim 11, wherein the delivery system comprises oneof a satellite system, a cable system and a terrestrial system.
 13. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein the delivery way comprises adelivery system which is a satellite system, and the receptionparameters for the certain delivery way consist of a bit line of 16bits.
 14. A method according to claim 1, wherein the delivery waycomprises a delivery system which is a satellite system, and thereception parameters for the certain delivery way consist of anextension bit line of 32 bits.
 15. A method according to claim 14,wherein the extension bit line is adapted to bind the delivery system toa front-end in multi-front-end environment.
 16. A method according toclaim 15, wherein the delivery systems of multifront-end environment aredifferent.
 17. A method according to claim 1, wherein the receptionparameters for the certain delivery way comprise a band that a satellitesystem is applying and a position in which the satellite appears on thesky.
 18. A method according to claim 1, wherein the delivery systemidentifier comprises a type of the delivery system, a band that asatellite system is applying, and a position in which the satelliteappears on the sky.
 19. A method according to claim 17 or 18, whereinthe position comprises an orbital position of the satellite in degreesand an eastern/western part of the orbit.
 20. A method according toclaim 17 or 18, wherein the band comprises at least one of a Ku bandoperating substantially at a frequency of 11 GHz, and a C band operatingsubstantially at a frequency of 4 GHz.
 21. A method according to claim1, wherein the parameters stored in the receiver comprise DeliverySystem Table (DST) information.
 22. A method according to claim 1,wherein the step of adapting comprises the step of modifying thereceiver for switching to a second delivery way.
 23. A method accordingto claim 22, wherein the second delivery way comprises a delivery systemother than currently applied delivery system.
 24. A method according toclaim 1, wherein the step of adapting comprises modifying the receiverfor a change in a satellite delivery system.
 25. A method according toclaim 24, wherein the change in the satellite delivery system compriseschanges in at least one of a change in a satellite orbital position indegrees, a change in eastern/western part of the orbit of the satellite,and a change in a satellite band.
 26. A method according to claim 1,wherein XML based channel table format is applied in the comparing andadapting steps.
 27. A receiver for identifying a delivery way for abroadcast transmission delivering services, the receiver comprising:means for comparing a delivery system identifier with parameters storedin a receiver for receiving the broadcast transmission, wherein thedelivery system identifier uniquely identifies the delivery way andreception parameters for a certain delivery way, and means for adaptinga reception of the broadcast transmission to the delivery way identifiedby the delivery system identifier in accordance with the comparing. 28.A receiver according to claim 27, further comprising means forinteraction with a service provider providing the service.
 29. Areceiver according to claim 27, wherein the receiver comprises awireless receiver for receiving broadcast transmission.
 30. An interfacefor entering an identification of a delivery way of a broadcasttransmission delivering services, the interface comprising: a networkinterface for receiving the broadcast transmission via a certaindelivery system in a certain delivery way, and a user interface forreceiving a delivery system identifier information, wherein the deliverysystem identifier information identifies the delivery system and thecertain delivery way to be applied.
 31. An interface according to claim30, wherein the network interface comprises a broadcast receiver forreceiving DVB signal.
 32. An interface according to claim 30, whereinthe delivery system identifier information comprises a type of thedelivery system, a band that a satellite system is applying, and aposition in which the satellite appears on the sky.
 33. An interfaceaccording to claim 30, wherein the delivery system identifierinformation comprises the receiver antennae system, new satellites, anddelivery systems.
 34. A system for identifying a delivery way of abroadcast transmission delivering services, the system comprising:delivery systems for transmitting the broadcast transmission of theservices, at least one receiver for catching the broadcast transmissionfrom a certain delivery system in a certain way, and means for adaptingthe receiver to a delivery system identifier, wherein the deliverysystem identifier uniquely identifies the delivery system and receptionparameters for the certain way.
 35. A system according to claim 34,wherein the broadcast transmission comprises transmission according toDigital Video Broadcasting (DVB).
 36. A system according to claim 34,wherein the broadcast transmission comprises a terrestrial digital videobroadcasting (DVB-T).
 37. A system according to claim 34, wherein thebroadcast transmission comprises multicast.
 38. A system according toclaim 34, wherein the broadcast transmission comprises unicast.
 39. Asystem according to claim 34, wherein the broadcast transmissioncomprises transmission according to Advanced Television SystemsCommittee (ATSC).
 40. A system according to claim 34, wherein thedelivery systems comprise a satellite broadcasting delivery system, acable distribution delivery system, and a terrestrial broadcast deliverysystem.
 41. A system according to claim 34, wherein the receivercomprises means for catching the delivery system identifier, wherein thedelivery system identifier is referred to in a network information tableand the network information table is contained in service informationwithin the broadcast transmission.
 42. A system according to claim 34,wherein the at least one receiver comprises a wireless broadcastreceiver.
 43. A computer program product comprising a program ofinstructions executable by a computing system for processing anidentification of the delivery way for broadcast transmission deliveringservices, the computer program product comprising: computer program codefor causing the system to compare a delivery system identifier withparameters stored in a receiver for receiving the broadcasttransmission, wherein the delivery system identifier uniquely identifiesthe delivery way and reception parameters for a certain delivery way,and computer program code for causing the system to adapt a reception ofthe broadcast transmission to the delivery way identified by thedelivery system identifier in accordance with the comparing.